Mangaluru: The body of 18-year-old Shobhit M Gowda, a college student who went missing after being swept away by strong waves at Peribail Beach in Someshwara, has been recovered. Local fishermen from Kotepura retrieved the body from the sea and brought it ashore.
Shobhit, a native of Kammaradi in Koppa taluk of Chikkamagaluru district, was a first-year BCom student at SDM College in Ujire. He had visited the Swami Koragajja shrine in Kuttar with a group of eight other students before they proceeded to the beach.
The incident occurred when Shobhit and his friend Akash ventured into the water and were caught in strong currents. While Akash managed to reach the shore, Shobhit was swept away by the waves and went missing.
Student swept away by strong currents
According to the available information, the group of nine students had visited the shrine in Kuttar and later travelled to Peribail Beach in Someshwara.
During their visit, Shobhit and Akash entered the sea. However, the rough conditions and strong currents proved dangerous, pulling both students into the water.
Akash, who knew how to swim, managed to battle the waves and reach the shore safely. He was subsequently admitted to a private hospital in Mangaluru and is reportedly recovering.
Shobhit, however, could not make it back to the shore and remained missing, prompting an extensive search operation along the coastline.
Multi-agency search operation launched
Following the incident, personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Coastal Security Police, Home Guards and Ullal police launched a search operation to locate Shobhit.
The search teams combed the area where the student had reportedly been swept away, with efforts focused on locating him amid the challenging sea conditions.
The operation continued until Shobhit’s body was eventually found at the same location where he had gone missing.
Local fishermen from Kotepura played a key role in retrieving the body. Using their boat, they brought it ashore, bringing the search operation to an end.
The recovery followed coordinated efforts by the rescue personnel and local fishing community.
Case registered at Ullal police station
Shobhit hailed from Kammaradi in Koppa taluk of Chikkamagaluru district and was pursuing his first year of BCom at SDM College in Ujire.
According to sources, he was the only son of his parents. His death has brought tragedy to his family and friends.
A case has been registered at Ullal police station in connection with the incident. Further details regarding the circumstances of the drowning were not immediately available.
Incident highlights dangers of rough seas
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks posed by strong currents and rough sea conditions, particularly when visitors enter the water at beaches.
Even experienced swimmers can face difficulties when caught in powerful currents, making it important for beachgoers to exercise caution and follow safety advisories.
With Shobhit’s body recovered, the search operation has concluded. The incident has left a young student’s family and college community mourning his untimely death.